Aflatoxins are dangerous toxins produced by molds that grow on a wide variety of crops, including staples like maize and groundnuts. Consuming aflatoxin-contaminated food can result in impaired nutrient absorption, organ failure, cancer, and—in children—stunting. There is a growing evidence base that aflatoxins are undercutting the anticipated outcomes in rural development.
Join us on May 19 for an #AskAg Twitter Chat that will explore aflatoxins as they relate to nutrition, broader development outcomes, and the varied approaches that seek to reduce exposure. Clara Ramírez of Mercy Corps and Dave Hoisington of the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Collaborative Research on Peanut Productivity and Mycotoxin Control will address questions related to nutrition, health impacts and prevention.
Potential Guiding Questions:
- How do we encourage adoption of aflatoxin interventions at the farm level?
- What are some examples of low-cost interventions to reduce aflatoxins?
- What are specific ways field projects can integrate aflatoxin responses into their programs?
- How do aflatoxins affect development outcomes?
- What information do you need to better understand and plan for aflatoxin interventions?
Twitter Accounts to Follow:
David Hoisington: @FTFPMIL
Clara Ramírez Aguilar: @_claralorena_
How to Participate: If you are new to Twitter, visit Twitter.com to sign up for an account. (For more tips on getting started, check out our Twitter training.)
Join us for discussion by using the hashtag #AskAg and following @Agrilinks.